Funding for Molokai Land Trust 

Sen. Schatz News Release 

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz announced that Hawaii will receive more than $8.1 million in grant funding for coastal resilience projects on Molokai, Maui, and Oahu. The new funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will enable various restoration projects that will help reduce flood and wildfire risk, protect forests and coral reefs, and increase community resilience.

As part of the grant funding, Molokai Land Trust will receive $919,400 to identify suitable wetlands on Molokai for restoration. The project will develop a final design for two prioritized sites, conduct environmental compliance assessments, and increase community capacity to restore and maintain wetlands.

“This new funding will help communities across Hawaii adapt to a changing climate.  The more we invest in proven solutions to protect our environment, the better prepared Hawaii will be for years to come.  We’re going to continue working to deliver as much federal funding for these efforts as possible,” said Schatz. 

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed an increase in Hawaii benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Almost 200,000 Hawaii residents rely on SNAP, and Sen. Schatz’s office has been working with USDA and Secretary Vilsack to update these benefits to more accurately reflect the cost of food in Hawaii.